QPR manager Neil Warnock was full of praise for his team despite their 1-1
draw with Hull yesterday which kept their promotion celebrations on hold.

One step closer: Neil Warnock's side is almost certain of promotion despite being held by HullPhoto: PA

By Telegraph staff and agencies

4:42AM BST 26 Apr 2011

That result, coupled with Norwich's win over Derby, meant Rangers were unable to wrap up their ascent to the Barclays Premier League.

Their promotion from the npower Championship is also still subject to any possible Football Association sanctions over the alleged third-party ownership of Argentinian player Alejandro Faurlin, but Warnock sounded a positive note at Loftus Road.

''I'm disappointed not to have tied it up but it doesn't surprise me with this team, we keep things going until the end,'' said Warnock.

''It's disappointing but they have done brilliantly. We are five points clear (of Norwich in second) with two games to go, you can't ask for much more.

''I think the fans know the goal difference is good and it's a healthy position to be in.''

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Winger Wayne Routledge had given the hosts a ninth-minute lead but David Amoo, on loan from Liverpool, struck in the 81st minute for Hull.

However, Simeon Jackson completed his hat-trick in the sixth minute of added time for Norwich to beat Derby 3-2 and delay Rangers' celebrations.

There was despair at the other end of the table as Preston were relegated to League One as a result of Crystal Palace's win at home to Leeds.

Neil Danns' second-minute goal at Selhurst Park, coupled with Preston's defeat by the same margin after Peter Whittingham's early strike for Cardiff, sent Phil Brown's side down.

The goal for Danns – who was sent off late on for a second bookable offence – also made it likely the Eagles will be safe for another season as both Sheffield United and Scunthorpe are six points adrift, both with inferior goal difference, with two matches remaining.

Despondent North End boss Brown said: ''I've just been upstairs and nearly broken down in front of the supporters because I hold myself responsible for the relegation – end of story.

''You can say you came in too late or that the previous guy in charge was there too long, but I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think I could keep the club in the Championship.

''So I hold myself responsible for the relegation. If you look back, we didn't get our first win until too late and after that it was catch-up time.''